2019 Community Service Award
The Durham Catholic District School Board is pleased to recognize Walter Heeney as the recipient of the 2019 Community Service Award at the 6th Annual Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation Gala on May 2, 2019.
A leader and champion in community service, Walter’s giving spirit has made a lasting impact in Durham Catholic schools and the broader community. His 25-year career as an administrator in the bowling industry earned him a Hall of Fame Induction as both a bowler and a builder of the bowling industry. In 2012, Walter continued to share is leadership in a different capacity as he accepted the position as Chair of the Durham Down Syndrome Association. Under his leadership, the association revived their “Toonies in the Schools” program in connection with World Down Syndrome Day, celebrated each year on March 21 across Durham Catholic schools.
In terms of his charitable initiative in the Catholic community, Walter has been a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1966. In Pickering, at Holy Redeemer Parish Council, he has been Grand Knight on two occasions, initiating several revenue-producing programs to aid their charitable efforts. In addition, he spearheaded a “Coats for Kids” program that provided five winter coats to every school in Pickering. For several years, Walter has led a group of Knights into both Father Fénelon and St. Monica Catholic Schools, and conducted their basketball “free throw” competition for all students in Grades 5 through 8.
Further to his involvement with students in Durham Catholic schools, he recently led a drive to raise the profile of the Knights of Columbus throughout the region, and their position as a Platinum Sponsor of the Durham Catholic Foundation Gala. This sponsorship was a combined donation consisting of 15 councils, thanks to Walter’s leadership and eagerness to help students in need reach their full potential.
Congratulations to Walter on receiving this special award!
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